MOmentum for Change: Voices of the Missouri Movement

Send us Fan MailWhen survivors speaking up about violence, they break down isolation, empower others, and shine a light on the darkness where violence thrives. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Missouri victim advocate and survivor, Leslie Williams, shares her story of domestic violence, healing, and her courageous efforts to inspire hope and be a voice for change.  Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the MOmentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailSarah Weinman, "Writer, Editor, Crime Lady," joins MOCADSV to discuss her most recent book, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime. Weinman shares insights on the 1978 Rideout trial, the nationwide struggle to make spousal rape a crime, and intersecting connections these efforts have with Missouri's anti-violence movement. She also shares thoughts on the legacy of the trial as well as ongoing opportunities for change.Notes:Sarah Weinman's Website: https://www.sarahweinman.com/Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime: https://www.sarahweinman.com/book/without-consent/Rape in Marriage by Diana E.H. RussellKnow My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller: https://chanel-miller.com/A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/812605/a-hymn-to-life-by-gisele-pelicot-translated-by-natasha-lehrer-and-ruth-diver/Rape and Marriage: The Rideout Case (1980): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf2eY6vOuT0&t=1800sThe Burning Bed (1984): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087010/Virgin or Vamp: How the Press Covers Sex Crimes by Helen BenedictSome episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the MOmentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailSafeBAE is a nationwide sexual violence prevention organization, formed by survivors and led by young people. Two of SafeBAE's co-founders, siblings Daisy Coleman and Charly Coleman, are from Maryville, Missouri. Daisy and Charly are subjects of the documentary film, Audrie and Daisy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary of being released this year. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, SafeBAE staff, Shael Norris and Drew Davis discuss the impact of the documentary, Daisy's legacy, and their current work to prevent sexual violence with youth, teens, and college students. Notes: SafeBAE website: https://www.safebae.org/#ForDaisy Memorial Tribute Wall: https://www.safebae.org/fordaisy/Before Anyone Else Skills Lab: https://skills-lab.safebae.org/Vibe Check Reflection and Accountability: https://checkyourvibe.org/Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailMOCADSV's motto has long been "we change laws, we change lives". These policies are moved forward in partnership with advocates, survivors, and lawmakers. One lawmaker and survivor, who has actively changed laws and changed lives throughout the 2026 legislative session is State Representative Ceclie Williams, who joins MOCADSV for a discussion on passing the divorce while pregnant bill, among other policies that have a positive impact on survivors of domestic and sexual violence.Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the Momentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed. 

Send us Fan MailPatty Prewitt spent almost 40 years in prison for a crime that she has always maintained she did not commit. One of Patty's attorneys described the challenge of getting out of prison when innocence is your only defense, as "trying to catch lightning in a jar". Patty finally caught lightning in 2024 when she was released from prison and recently published two books describing her experience. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Patty and her daughter Jane Prewitt Watkins, discuss sexual abuse in prison, the clemency process, and Patty's books, Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar and Catching Lightning. Notes:Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar: Letters from Prison https://www.somepeoplepress.com/pattyCatching Lightning: More Letters from Prison https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Lightning-Letters-Prison-People/dp/B0GXPBL85QTunnel Vision: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies by Brian Reichart: https://scholarlycommons.law.hofstra.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2951&context=hlrOne Woman’s History of Sexual Abuse in Prison by Patty Prewitt: https://www.wrath-bearingtree.com/2023/01/02/new-nonfiction-one-womans-history-of-sexual-abuse-in-prison-by-patty-prewitt/Prison Performing Arts: https://www.prisonperformingarts.org/Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailElder Abuse is closely related to domestic and sexual violence, and many advocacy organizations encounter it regularly in their services to survivors.  In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Jessica Rooks, an Attorney with The Rooks Law Firm and Catherine Vannier, Special Victims Resource Prosecutor at the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, talk about the nature and dynamics of elder abuse and supportive resources that are available, particularly related to the civil and criminal legal system.Notes:Missouri Office of Prosecution Services: https://www.prosecutors.mo.gov/Rooks Law Firm: https://www.rookslawfirm.com/The Department of Justice has an Elder Justice Initiative: https://www.justice.gov/elderjusticeNational Center on Law and Elder Rights: http://ncler.acl.gov/homeMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Special Investigations: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/investigations.phpAttorney General Office of Missouri Consumer Protection: https://ago.mo.gov/divisions/consumer/The Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE): https://eagle.usc.edu/The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: https://www.naela.org/The Missouri Council on Aging: https://www.missouricouncilonaging.org/Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/Elderabuse.org: https://elderabuse.org/UMKC LifeCourse Nexus: https://www.lifecoursetools.com/Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed. 

Send us Fan MailJoin MOCADSV for a conversation with Jessi Bixler, author of the memoir, The Story We Share: How One Sexual Assault Rippled Through a Family and Their Fight for Healing. Jessi shares insight on her process of healing from trauma, the impact on secondary victims, and her ongoing efforts to support survivors and increase awareness of sexual assault. Notes: Jessi's Website: www.jessibixler.com Jessi's blog: https://www.jessibixler.com/blogPurchase The Story We Tell: https://www.jessibixler.com/shopMOCSA: https://mocsa.org/Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailIn recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Attorney, Grant Boyd from The O'Brien Law Firm, joins MOCADSV for a discussion about the civil legal system. Grant discusses the impact of his work and shares insight on how his legal practice has provided empowerment, accountability, and justice to survivors and their families. Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailPioneering social worker, educator, and life-long activist, Fran S. Danis joins MOmentum for Change for a discussion of her recent book series, Origin Stories from the Movements to End Domestic Violence.  These compelling books highlight the unique narratives of changemakers who have taken action on behalf of survivors of domestic violence at local, state, and national levels, over the last 50 years. In this inspiring discussion, Fran shares insights on what motivated her to write this history, the process she took, and reflects on the power and promise of sharing origin stories. Purchase copies of Origin Stories from Amazon or directly from the publisher, Cognella Publishing. Use code DANIS20 at check out for 20% off the purchase of both books, as a set, from Cognella Publishing.Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.  The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

Send us Fan MailRelationship safety education provided to youth is an effective approach to preventing teen dating violence. However, domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations often face difficulties in their efforts to build relationships with local school districts. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Katie Hobeck, Violence Prevention Educator at the Safe House of Southeast Missouri and Janine Mayberry, Counselor at Key Middle School in Scott County, discuss teen dating violence, relationship safety, and their ongoing partnership to provide prevention education.Notes:Safe Dates: A Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Curriculum: https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/545255American Bar Association Teacher’s Guide: Interesting, Fun, and Effective Classroom Activities To Influence Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention: https://stoprelationshipabuse.org/professionals/teachers-and-parents/american-bar-association-teachers-guide/Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.